Talib Kweli has cancelled a Kansas City show due to the venue also booking a known racist group. The band in question is Taake.
Music enthusiasts have not forgotten a regrettable event in which the Taake frontman wore a swastika emblazoned shirt in concert. This alone makes them an odd entry for a more generalized music venue or festival.
Talib published a full statement ahead of his cancellation at the Riot Room in Kansas City:
"My position is that the venue should not want to host that band whether the band cancelled or not, and should issue an apology for even booking the band. The response I received was that the venue did not want to choose sides between a band that sympathizes with racism and bigotry and me. I think it’s time to choose a side. I find it appalling that the Riot Room refuses to apologize for booking this band. I wouldn’t feel safe bringing my team, family and fans into a venue that is sympathetic to white nationalism, so I’ve cancelled the show. It’s a shame because I was really looking forward to performing in Kansas City".
